Ghana Ranked 8th Among Africa’s Top 10 Manufacturing Powerhouses
Ghana has secured the 8th position in the latest ranking of Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries, according to a new report published by The African Exponent, a leading analytical platform for business insights across the continent.
The report attributed Ghana’s rise to its sustained focus on value-added manufacturing, particularly in the agricultural and cocoa sectors, which continues to reshape the country’s industrial landscape.
Significantly, Ghana’s flagship “One District One Factory” (1D1F) policy was highlighted as a major catalyst for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country. The policy, launched in 2017, aims to establish at least one factory in each of the nation’s administrative districts, thereby decentralising industrial development and boosting local economies.
The report further noted the role of established firms such as Kasapreko and Fan Milk in expanding Ghana’s manufacturing footprint beyond its borders, thereby enhancing the country’s industrial influence on the international stage.
South Africa Tops the List
Topping the list is South Africa, which the report describes as the most industrialised nation on the continent. The country’s manufacturing strength is underpinned by advanced infrastructure, a diversified industrial base, and strategic global partnerships—particularly in the automotive and chemical sectors. South Africa’s leading industries include Automotive, Steel, Chemicals, and Food Processing.
Egypt and Nigeria Follow Closely
Egypt ranked 2nd, with its export-oriented manufacturing base benefiting from strong trade ties with Europe and the Middle East. The report cited key sectors such as Cement, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Petrochemicals, which have flourished due to recent industrial reforms.
Nigeria took the 3rd spot, bolstered by the presence of some of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates. The ongoing construction of the Dangote Refinery and the rapid expansion of the BUA Group were cited as symbols of Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions. Major sectors include Cement, Consumer Goods, Food and Beverages, and Oil Refining.
Other Countries in the Top 10
Morocco (4th), Kenya (5th), Algeria (6th), and Ethiopia (7th) precede Ghana in the ranking, while Tunisia (9th) and Zambia (10th) round off the list.
The report underscores that over the past decade, these ten countries have emerged as key industrial hubs, hosting some of the continent’s largest and most influential manufacturing companies.
Ghana’s inclusion in the top tier is a strong endorsement of its ongoing industrialisation drive and its commitment to building a resilient, diversified, and export-oriented economy.
